Historically, major trades at the trade deadline are not very rewarding. Since the introduction of the salary cap about 20 years ago, only four teams that traded a first-round pick at the deadline to acquire a player went on to win the Stanley Cup.
Speaking of mistakes, the Hurricanes just made a significant one, and the Capitals are very fortunate. Firstly, the Ovechkin-led squad placed forward Evgeny Kuznetsov on waivers in the last few days, after which he was assigned to the American Hockey League.
Breaking down the transaction, it's truly terrible from the Canes' perspective. They have to pay almost 4 million for the next year for a player whose performance has declined and who has some significant personal history, in addition to giving up a 3rd-round pick.